In these days of always-on internet, constant interruptions, high-pressure work, and family obligations, you might be feeling like the days are slipping away.  You, like me, might feel a sense that despite being very busy, you got absolutely nothing important done.

While there are certainly actions that can be taken to alleviate the chronic problems of connectivity, interruptions, and excessive responsibilities, I’m going to focus this blog on one particular strategies to bring awareness to your day:

TIME TRACKING

I know, I know!  You don’t want ‘one more thing to do’.  Don’t worry; I’m not suggesting this as a regular, long-term strategy.

Step 1: Download this template

Step 2: Set an alarm on your phone, watch, stove, or microwave for every 30 minutes (or use your Time Timer)

Step 3: When the alarm/timer goes off, make note of what you were doing for the last 30 minutes

Step 4: Repeat for several days, to a week

As you track your time, you’re going to notice 2 things: 

1. You’re not wasting very much time

2. You are getting a whole lot accomplished

You might be thinking, “Wait! You didn’t tell me what to do to get the important things done.  Now you’re telling me that I’m going to find that I’m getting things done and not wasting time.  That can’t be right!”

Well, it is right.  Simply by paying attention, by bringing awareness to your actions instead of letting them float by, you are going to accomplish more, and the things you accomplish will have more significance.  You’re also creating a record to provide yourself with evidence that you were, in fact, productive.

As I said, I don’t expect (or even want) you to do this long-term because it can become a burden.  Try this strategy at times when you are feeling particularly non-productive, despite the feeling of constantly being busy.  Pick it up when needed and let it go when things are going well.

Track your time for a few days and let me know your results!